Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan Region took part in Iraq’s special parliamentary voting day with high discipline and organization, casting ballots directly from their trenches.
Zerevani Forces Command spokesperson Didawan Khurshid confirmed that voting began at 7:00 AM and followed a strict schedule to avoid crowding. “All forces vote at their assigned times, ensuring smooth progress and no issues at polling centers,” he said.
Khurshid praised the soldiers’ conduct, calling their participation “a sign of complete commitment” to the democratic process. He added that voting so far has been problem-free, though technical issues like fingerprint scanner errors remain possible. Authorities plan to use Face ID systems if needed.
Across Iraq, more than 1.3 million people, mostly from the security forces and the Ministry of Interior, are voting early due to deployment duties. The Independent High Electoral Commission set up 809 polling centers nationwide.
In the Kurdistan Region, Erbil recorded 85,793 special voters, Sulaimani 82,547, and Duhok 55,993, which also hosts most of Iraq’s displaced voters. The voting process runs until 6:00 PM, after which ballot boxes will be electronically sealed.
The Peshmerga’s disciplined participation highlights both their civic responsibility and Iraq’s commitment to orderly, secure elections.